Introduction to coronary imaging with 64-slice computed tomography

The aim of this article is to illustrate the main technical improvements in the last generation of 64-row CT scanners and the possible applications in coronary angiography. In particular, we describe the new physical components (X-ray tube-detectors system) and the general scan and reconstruction parameters. We then define the scan protocols for coronary angiography with the new generation of 64-row CT scanners to enable radiologists to perform a CT study on the basis of the diagnostic possibilities.

Diagnostic accuracy of multislice computed tomography coronary angiography is improved at low heart rates

Physiopathology of the aging heart

CORONARY VARIANTS AND ANOMALIES : METHODOLOGY OF VISUALISATION WITH 64-SLICE CT AND PREVALENCE IN 202 CONSECUTIVE PATIENTS

64-slice computed tomography assessment of left ventricular volumetric and functional parameters

Influence of intracoronary attenuation on coronary plaque measurements using multislice computed tomogarphy : observation in an ex vivo model of coronary computed tomography angiography

Influenza dei filtri di convoluzione sulla misurazione dei valori di attenuazione della placca durante angiografia coronarica mediante TC multistrato

INFLUENCE OF INTRA-CORONARY ENHANCEMENT ON DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY WITH 64-SLICE CT CORONARY ANGIOGRAPHY

We assessed the effect of intra-coronary attenuation on diagnostic accuracy using 64-slice computed tomography coronary angiography (CT-CA). We enrolled 170 patients with suspected coronary artery disease who underwent conventional coronary angiography (CA) and 64-slice CT-CA (100 ml of Iomeprol 400 mg I/ml at 4 ml/s). The study population was divided into two groups (85 patients each based on median attenuation of 326 HU) based on mean arterial attenuation; group 1 with low attenuation and group 2 with high attenuation. Diagnostic accuracy for the detection of significant coronary artery stenosis was determined for both groups using CA as reference standard. Overall, 163 significant stenos…

Non-invasive evaluation of coronary calcium.

Influence of increasing convolution kernel filtering on plaque imaging with multislice CT using an ex-vivo model of coronary angiography

PURPOSE: To assess the variability in attenuation of coronary plaques with multislice CT-angiography (MSCT-CA) in an ex-vivo model with varying convolution kernels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MSCT-CA (Sensation 16, Siemens) was performed in three ex-vivo left coronary arteries after instillation of contrast material solution (Iomeprol 400 mgI/ml, dilution: 1/80). The specimens were placed in oil to simulate epicardial fat. Scan parameters: slices 16/0.75 mm, rotation time 375 ms, feed/rotation 3.0 mm, mAs 500, slice thickness 1 mm, and FOV 50 mm. Datasets were reconstructed using 4 different kernels (B30f-smooth, B36f-medium smooth, B46f-medium, and B60f-sharp). Each scan was scored for the pre…

Impact of intravascular enhancement, heart rate, and calcium score on diagnostic accuracy in multislice computed tomography coronary angiography.

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of intravascular enhancement, heart rate, and calcium score on diagnostic accuracy in the detection of significant coronary artery stenosis using 16-row multislice computed tomography (MSCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred patients (88 males; 59+/-11 years) with suspected coronary artery disease who had undergone conventional coronary angiography (CA) and MSCT-CA were retrospectively enrolled for the study. Patients underwent a MSCT-CA, with the following protocol: collimation 16x0.75 mm, gantry rotation time 420 ms, feed/rotation 2.8 mm, kV 120, mAs 400-500. The protocol for contrast material administration was 100 ml of Iodixanol 320 mgI/ml at 4 ml/s and …

Diagnostic accuracy of 16-row multislice CT angiography in the evaluation of coronary segments